12 Best Non-Toxic Lotions for body, face, and babies

If you’re anything like me, then you also have a shelf FULL of lotions somewhere at home. I cannot go a day without body lotion and have a few different ones around, for various purposes (daytime, nighttime, tanning, etc.).

Your skin is the largest organ in your body; it covers you from head to toe and acts as a shield against the outside world. And whatever touches your skin doesn’t just stay on the surface but actually gets absorbed into your bloodstream. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of what you slather on your skin (especially lotion which covers such a large area).

Equally as fascinating: a lot of popular lotions on the market are packed with toxic chemicals. Those toxic body lotions may look and smell great (and they can be enticing when the branding is cute) but they’re actually more harmful than helpful. However, if you know how and where to look, you’ll be able to find a lot of gems in the mix – those natural and organic lotions that are loaded with skin-pampering nutrients, like hyaluronic acid, shea butter and avocado oil.

Today, I’m sharing some of the best non-toxic lotions. I’m giving you the lowdown on my faves, their ingredient lists, and overall effectiveness to help you shop more mindfully. Here’s a round-up of the best non-toxic lotions to add to your shopping list.

12 Best Non-Toxic Lotions

Non-Toxic Body Lotion

Wink Llama All Over Lotion

This is my #1 pick for body lotion. I first ordered Wink Llama Lotion to use on Thomas, since it’s made specifically for babies, but then I started using it too. It’s SO hydrating and soothing and has a lightweight smell. And if you have sensitive skin, this is also a great option since it’s crafted for babies! It helps repair dry or cracked areas and it does not sting. The key ingredients are shea butter, lavender, and coconut oil. You can even use this lotion to help with eczema, baby acne and cradle cap!

The bottle is huge which makes it a steal for under $25. I also have the travel size version that I take on trips. The founder of Wink is a mom and a friend of mine from college, so I know anything they produce is going to be awesome. But I actually tried Wink for the first time before I realized it was Danny and Shalayne’s company! It made me fall in love with it even more after that.

Beautycounter Hydrating Body Lotion

I didn’t know much about safety standards when it came to beauty and skincare products until I started using Beautycounter. Beautycounter has a Never List of ingredients that they’ll never use in any of their products, and when I saw how long the list was, I realized I needed to make some adjustments in my skincare routine. I already cared about what I was putting in my body, so it was a no brainer to be more mindful about what I was putting on my body once I learned more about the bad ingredients in most products. (Even shampoos have ingredients you should avoid.)

Switching to a cleaner body lotion was one of the first beauty products I replaced once I realized I need to improve things in my personal care routine. I’ve been using the Beautycounter Hydrating Body Lotion for years. (See my full list of Beautycounter favorites here!)

The formula is lightweight and rubs in quickly. A little goes a long way, which I appreciate since it’s on the pricer end of body lotions. It has a super subtle grapefruit scent; I don’t usually like products with a smell, but I love this one, and the scent comes from natural essential oils, not a loophole “fragrance” ingredient. It leaves skin feeling smooth, hydrated and never greasy.

Non-Toxic Hand Lotion

Beautycounter Softening Hand Lotion in Neroli

We have Beautycounter’s hand soap and hand lotion in our powder bathroom and every time we have guests, they mention how nice they are. The soap and lotion are both so soothing, smell luxurious, and the branding is pretty enough to display in even the nicest powder rooms. The main ingredients are organic safflower seed oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter, which are all hydrating and conditioning.

I like the consistency of the hand lotion since it’s a little thicker than body lotion but doesn’t leave hands greasy. You can use the code CLEANFORALL20 for 20% off Beautycounter if you’ve never purchased from there before.

Osea Anti-Aging Hand Cream

When it comes to hand lotions, Osea’s Anti-Aging Hand Cream comes highly recommended. I haven’t tried this product, but I got to try their night cream a few months ago as part of a partnership at the beginning of the year and absolutely loved it, which is why I’m recommending this hand cream. Not only are the ingredients clean, but this hand cream also has antioxidants in it that help lighten dark spots on the backs of your hands. It’s packed with organic coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, shea butter, aloe vera leaf extract, and gigartina seaweed. And while it’s designed for your hands, it can actually be used anywhere on your body. (Battling dry skin? Read my tips on how to save your dry skin!) 

I’m linking it from Blue Mercury since you’ll get a great free gift with purchase if you buy from there.

Non-Toxic Tanning Lotion

Beauty By Earth Self-Tanner Tanning Mousse

Beauty By Earth Self Tanner is one of the most popular non-toxic self-tanning lotions in the market. They also make a tanning mousse, which is what I’m including here instead of the lotion, since the mousse is easier to apply without a mess. It’s made up of 81% water and certified organic ingredients, the other 19% are naturally derived ingredients that don’t include any toxic or harmful additives. The active ingredient is sugar-beet derived DHA, which is a sugar derivative that gives the top layer of the skin a bronzed glow. (It’s also different — and safer — than the DHA most brands use)

It applies clear (unlike others that dispense as a dark tan or even dark olive color) and has NO funky self-tanning smell (thanks to a more natural form of DHA). I own this and love it.

Kora Organics Gradual Tanning Lotion

I’m a bit picky when it comes to tanning lotions because they can either be really amazing or really disappointing. I’ve been eyeing Kora Organics Gradual Tanning Lotion for a while now because I’ve heard great reviews. This one also uses naturally-derived DHA.

This tanner is packed with noni fruit extract and sunflower seed oil. It’s cruelty-free, vegan, and free from synthetic fragrances and colors. The formula gives a gradual, buildable tan that leaves skin looking healthy and radiant. Because of its natural ingredients, it doesn’t have that chemical smell that most commercial tanners have. It has a lovely lavender scent instead.

Non-Toxic Face Lotion

Beautycounter Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion

Another lotion from Beautycounter that’s worth a try is the Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion. Designed to adapt to your skin’s needs, this body lotion adjusts its hydration levels throughout the day. Thanks to its innovative formula, it has a long-lasting effect that keeps moisture locked in. Even more, it is lightweight and non-greasy, so you won’t have to worry about feeling sticky. It contains squalene, phytic acid, plum oil, and shea butter. These moisture-rich ingredients work together to hydrate your skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and plump.

As most of my readers know well, I’m a huge fan of Beautycounter. This post explains what makes Beautycounter different in more detail, but in short, they are very transparent about the ingredients they use in their products and are committed to safety. They even created the Beautycounter Never List, a comprehensive list of harmful chemicals they promise to NEVER use. Check it out to learn more about these questionable ingredients. It’s definitely worth double-checking if your current skincare products contain any of them!

Beautycounter Countertime Soft Cream

If you have seriously dry (or aging) skin, then you’ll want the Beautycounter Countertime Soft Cream. It’s more hydrating than the Adaptive Moisture Lotion, and contains anti-aging ingredients. I use it daily and haven’t found a better daily moisturizer yet (and I try plenty). The main ingredients are Bakuchiol (a natural anti-aging ingredient), Swiss Alpine Rose (boosts your skin’s antioxidant defence), Nasturtium Flower Extract, and fermented sugars.

It feels like satin on your skin and soaks in almost instantly. It leaves your skin feeling hydrated, but not heavy.

Best Non-Toxic Lotion For Dry Skin

Primally Pure Body Butter

I’ve used the Primally Pure Body Butter for years (on both Thomas and myself), and can’t sing its praises enough. It’s thick and creamy, made with with all natural and safe ingredients, and doesn’t break the bank. Since it’s a body butter rather than a lotion consistency, it’s perfect for anyone who has truly dry skin. It also comes in 3 scents (eucalyptus and lavender is my favorite). This does leave a bit of a greasy feeling so I prefer to use this at night, rather than during the day.

True Botanicals Pure Radiance Body Butter

I’ve recently become a True Botanicals convert after trying some of their skincare! I’ve been so impressed with their Microbiome Enzyme Essence and have been using it as my prep step in my nighttime skincare routine. All of their products are non-toxic and made with natural ingredients, and everything is very high performing. Their Pure Radiance Body Butter is a perfect option for someone with dry skin (like me!). It’s made with Tucuma Seed, Kokum Seed, Avocado and Shea Butters that provide intense moisture that’s still breathable.

Best Non-Toxic Baby Lotion

Wink Llama All Over Lotion

I have to include the Llama All Over Lotion under this section too since it’s my #1 pick for babies (and kids!). Thomas has sensitive skin, and this lotion has been a game-changer for us. It helps with eczema, baby acne and cradle cap, and there’s no burning or discomfort. The key ingredients are shea butter, lavender, and coconut oil.

Primally Pure Baby Balm

If your little one has seriously dry skin or rashes, the Primally Pure Baby Balm is a must. It’s incredibly gentle and hydrating. It’s very thick and never irritates even the most sensitive skin (which my little guy has!). I started using this when he was a newborn and still keep it on hand!

Beautycounter Balm for All

The other balm I really love is Beautycounter’s Balm For All. They used to call it Baby Balm, but they realized it had more uses than just for babies, so they changed the name. The formula is the same though. This balm is formulated with organic shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and jojoba seed oil. You can use this balm on practically anything, but I like it most for any dry spots Thomas gets, like his cheeks, knees and elbows. I just put a little on my finger, and then gently rub it onto the spot that needs it.

If you’re choosing between the Primally Pure Baby Balm and this, I’d go for Primally Pure. I like the texture better and it’s a little less greasy. But if you don’t like products in a tub and would prefer a squeeze tube, go for the Beautycounter one!

I hope this helps make your shopping easier. If you have other lotions with non-toxic formulations that are free from harmful chemicals, please share!!

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